2 way switching not quite right

[Botchartist]

Hello,
I wonder if anyone can give me any advice please. All I needed to do was change some switch fronts, from the old plastic ones to new brushed steel. The switches are not quite the same inside. I have wired them according to the wiring diagram I have drawn, but the 2 way switching isnt working correctly. If you turn the light off from one switch, you have to turn it back on from that switch. The other switch wont then turn the light on.help badly needed - her indoors aint happy!
Thanks in advance for any advice,
Botch artist

 

[Spark123]

Can you post the diagram?
To upload an image;
Go to a hosting site such as imageshack: http://imageshack.us/
Click browse and locate the image. Ensure resize image is ticked and select 640 x 480 (for message boards). Click host it.
After the image has uploaded imageshack displays a list of links to the image. Highlight the text in the line at the bottom of the screen "direct link to image" and copy the text (press CTRL C to copy).
On your post type

and insert the text from imageshack inbetween the two (press CTRL V to paste), so it reads something like:

When you submit your post the image should now appear.

 

[Chivers7]

http://www.diynot.com/pages/el/el031.php have a look here you might see the mistake you've made

 

[Botchartist]

Hello Mr spark123 - thank you very much indeed for that information. I had never heard of imageshack. Thats brilliant, thanks for telling me about it. I hope you can see this wiring diagram ok.

As you can see, I really AM a botchartist. Next time her indoors wants switch fronts changeing, I'll get the experts

Thanks again for any advice you can give - please dont laugh too much when you see the diagram.

Cheers,

Botchartist[/img]

 

[Botchartist]

Hello again, not sure if that diagram has uploaded clearly enough to make out all the details. The top picture shows the 2 gang 2 way switch. The left switch is for the internal light, the right switch is for the external light. The external light is working ok. There are 3 cables going into the switch unit. The neutral from the middle cable is not used, hence position L2 being empty. I think the rest of the wires are clear. Earth from the left and middle cables both go to the knockout box. Earth from the right hand cable goes to the metal switch front.

The bottom picture shows the one gang, 2 way switch. there are 2 cables going into this as you can see. The neutral from the right hand cable is unused. The earth from the right cable goes to the knockout box. Earth from left cable goes to the metal switch front.

I had rather expected to see 3 core + earth cable, but all are just the usual 2 core and earth (Live,neutral,earth).

Thanks again - sorry the diagram isnt that clear. Some of the quality lost in the uploading it seems.

thanks and best regards,

Botchartist

 

[Spark123]

The black wires are more than likely not neutrals, they are probably either not used part of the switch live circuit. Can you tell us what is on the back of the new switches, i.e. L1, L2, L3 or COM, L1, L2?

 

[Botchartist]

Hello Spark123,
As you look face on at the switches as they would fit on the wall, you would have L at the top, L2 at the bottom left, and L1 at the bottom right. If you turned the switch round, and looked at the back of it, you would still have L at the top, but L1 would be on the bottom left with L2 on the boom right if you know what I mean. I drew the diagram as if you were looking face on at the switch and the wall. Hope thats clear.

Its either the 2 way switching thats not quite right, or me thats not quite right. Maybe a bit of both!

Thanks again,

Botchartist

 

[securespark]

Have you mixed up either of the t&e's at either end?

IE the one you have just the red connected should that be both connected as L1/L2? And the other cable vice-versa?

 

[pcboffinuk]

Hi Botchartist,

From what I can see in your diagram it's not a standard 2 way arrangement. As you say, generally a 3 core & Earth would be used, although 2 x 2 core and Earth could be used instead. However, if that was the case here there would be another cable.

What you need to do first is identify the permanent live - that should help work out what the other cables do.

None of the cores are being used as neutral in this case (if they were you would have had a loud bang when you closed the switch!). The permanent live is merely directed through both switches so that it can be switched at either switch.

Which of the switches currently operates the light?

Gavin

 

[Botchartist]

Hello Gavin,
Thanks for your reply - sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I've been away for a couple of days. The left hand switch as you look face on to it operates the light in question. Seems to me like its probably a job for an electrician! I only wanted to change a switch front. Its getting more and more complicated! Whatt do you think?
Have a great weekend

ray the botchartist

ps. I dont suppose any knows a good electrician near Barnsley?